SANGITA SHRESTHA

**** ****** ***** *****, ******, TX 75038

Phone: 952-***-**** (Cell), Email: acw0f5@r.postjobfree.com

EDUCATION

University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

Endeavour Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Seed Science and Technology and Molecular Biology 2011

Project Report title: Effect of temperature and water stress on seed germination of six threatened species of Myrtaceae of Australia

Advisor: Professor Dr. Steve Adkins, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, St. Lucia Campus

University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D.) in Agricultural Science, AusAID Scholar 2002

PhD dissertation title: Molecular Systematics of Weedy Sporobolus species of Australia

Advisor: Professor Dr. Steve Adkins, School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, St. Lucia Campus

Tribhuvan University Kathmandu, Nepal

Master of Science (M. Sc.) in Botany (Plant Pathology-Mycology) 1989

M. Sc. Dissertation Title: Role of fungal flora in buff meat contamination and spoilage

Advisor: Prof. Dr. Achyut Prasad Sharma, Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, Nepal

Tribhuvan University Kathmandu, Nepal

Bachelor of Science (B. Sc.) with Chemistry, Botany and Zoology majors 1986

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Principal Investigator March 2012 to April 2016

Faculty of Science, Nepal Academy of Science & Technology (NAST), Nepal

Project title: DNA barcoding of high value Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs), fungi and other species of Nepal

Employed standard DNA barcoding primers (nuclear, cpDNA, mtDNA) for PCR amplification and sequence generation.

Sequence analysis and submission to NCBI; molecular phylogenetic analysis of selected species (Swertia chirayita, Podophyllum hexandrum, Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora, Ophiocordyceps sinensis etc.)

Project coordinator and Principal Investigator December 2009 to April 2016

Faculty of Science, NAST; University of Queensland (UQ), Brisbane, Australia; EV-K2 CNR, Italy

Project Title: Seeds for Health - International collaboration for collection, characterization, conservation and sustainable utilization of high value Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (MAPs) from Nepal

Collection and ex situ conservation of seeds of MAPs and other wild plants from various parts (eg. Sagarmatha National Park region etc.) of Nepal at Himalayan Seed Bank (HSB), NAST.

Seed Biological, chemical and molecular characterization. of high value species eg. Rhododendron spp., Podophyllum hexandrum etc.

Endeavor Postdoctoral Fellow May- October 2011

University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia

Project Title: Seed conservation ex situ, and seed biological and molecular characterization of wild germplasm

Carried out seed germination biological experiments on six threatened species of Myrtaceae

Prepared and submitted project report

Principal Investigator and Research Higher Degree Advisor 2010 to April 2016

Faculty of Science, NAST, Nepal

Project Title: Molecular characterization of high value medicinal plants/ and beneficial microbes (bacteria and fungi) of Manasalu Conservation Area (MCA), Central Nepal.

Explored, documented and characterized high value medicinal plants/ probiotic microbes, bacteria and fungi of MCA region using morphological, biochemical and molecular tools.

DNA barcoding of medicinal plants/ bacteria and fungi of this region.

Molecular genetic and phylogenetic study of selected high value plants, bacteria and fungi performed.

Principal Investigator May 2007 to 2009

Nepal Academy of Science and Technology and EvK2- CNR, Italy

Project Title: Morphological, Ecological, Anatomical and Molecular Characterization of high value medicinal plants of Khumbu region Nepal.

Explored high altitude areas of khumbu region such as Namche, Furte, Thame, Syangboche, Tyangboche, Khumjung, Kunde etc. for the collection of morphological, anatomical and DNA samples.

Morphological, ecological, anatomical and molecular characterization of selected high value medicinal plants of the region accomplished.

Darwin Scholar 2003 to 2006

Royal Botanical Garden Edinburgh, The United Kingdom, NAST collaboration

Project Title: Flora of Nepal project for the preparation of Flora of Nepal Volume III

Visited national herbarium (KATH) and International herbaria at RBGE and Royal Botanical Garden, Kew (RBGK), UK for the preparation of assigned account

Finally prepared assigned taxonomic account (Genus Meconopsis of Papaveraceae) and contributed as co-author in the IIIrd volume of Flora of Nepal.

Principal Investigator September 2002 to 2016

INRA Bordeaux France/ NAST/ Ministry of Agriculture Development (MoAD), Government of Nepal

Project Title: PCR-based Molecular Diagnosis of Citrus Huanglongbing (HLB) Disease of Citrus in Nepal

Studied prevalence of HLB disease in various districts of Nepal on the basis of PCR-based diagnosis.

Provided analytical service of HLB diagnosis to farmers and entrepreneurs. Report and journal article prepared.

Consultant Molecular Biologist (Deputy Team Leader) 2005 - 2006

Ministry of Forests and Soil Conservation (MoFSC)/ Government of Nepal

Project Title: National Biosafety Framework (NBF) Preparation for Nepal Technical aspect of Biosafety

As a deputy team leader, conducted national level survey for the preparation of status report on Biotechnology and Biosafety in Nepal.

Prepared and submitted inception report, survey report and final report on technical aspects of Biosafety to MoFSC, Government of Nepal.

Principal Investigator July 2006 to April 2016

Nepal Academy of Science and Technology

Project Title : Molecular genetic diversity characterization of some high value medicinal plants of Nepal (such as Swertia chirayita, Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora, Podophyllum hexandrum etc.) using PCR-based molecular marker techniques.

Optimized DNA extraction and PCR conditions for each species under study. Perform DNA profiling using arbitrarily primed (RAPDs) as well as specific primed PCR techniques (such as SCAR, ITS etc.) for the generation of population specific or species-specific molecular markers.

Generated DNA sequences of highly valuable medicinal plants of Nepal for data basing. Use molecular data for the study of genetic diversity and relationship within and between various species under study.

Co-Investigator July 2007 to April 2016

Nepal Academy of Science and Technology

Project Title: Genetic diversity study in Nepalese isolates of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) using RAPD-PCR technique and Molecular characterization of Cry genes from Nepalese isolates of Bt.

Optimization of DNA extraction technique and RAPD-PCR conditions for characterizing diversity of Nepalese isolates of Bt. RAPD profiling of Nepalese isolates of Bt. and use molecular data for the study of genetic diversity and relationships.

Optimization of PCR conditions for the study of Cry gene diversity using various universal primers for Cry genes and to perform specific PCR for characterization of Cry genes and data analysis.

PhD Scholar (AusAID Scholar from Nepal) February 1998-July 2002

School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, the University of Queensland, Australia

PhD Thesis Title: Molecular systematics of weedy Sporobolus species of Australia

Developed species identification protocol for weedy Sporobolus species using Arbitrarily primed Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique

Studied genetic diversity within and among different weedy species of Sporobolus using RAPD technique.

Molecular phylogenetic study of Sporobolus indicus complex using nuclear ribosomal DNA Internal Transcribed Spacers (ITS) sequences

Diagnostic development for the weedy Sporobolus species based on nrDNA ITS sequences

Co-Investigator February, 2001-2003

Nepal Academy of Science and Technology and Mahendra Sanskrit University collaboration

Project Title: Sustainable Utilization of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants in Dang District, Nepal.

Prepared project proposals to submit in different organizations such as World Bank and European Union for financial support.

Undertaken plant taxonomy related jobs of the project.

Co-Investigator 1993 to February 20, 1998

Project Title: Citrus Biotechnology project and ABT Plant growth regulator project

Produced virus and virus-like disease free citrus plantlets (especially orange and junar) by using modified Shoot Tip Grafting (STG) in vitro technique (tissue culture technique) and established in pots.

Diagnosed Citrus Tristeza Virus (CTV) disease on samples collected from major citrus growing areas of Nepal using advanced immunological technique called Double Antibody Sandwich (DAS) Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA).

Conducted research on the selection of best soil medium for the citrus rootstock, Poncirus trifoliata.

Conducted other research activities involving plant growth regulators eg. Assessed effect of ABT rooting powder on cutting propagation of citrus rootstock and other horticultural fruits and assessing effect of ABT rooting powder on yield component of wheat in Nepal

Worked on preparation of project proposals for submission in various organizations such as FAO and prepared papers for publication.

Co-Investigator 1990 to 1993

Faculty of Science, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology

Project Title: Shoot Tip Grafting (STG) in vitro for the Elimination of Virus and Virus-like Diseases of Citrus

Conducted overall research activities of STG in vitro project for the production of virus and virus-like diseases-free citrus saplings

Wrote paper on STG in vitro for the proceedings of 12 th IOCV conference held in New Delhi in 1992.

TEACHING EXPERIENCE

Visiting Faculty – B. Sc. (Biotechnology) 2009-2012

SANN international college, Kathmandu affiliated to Purvanchal University, Nepal

Subject Taught: Agriculture Biotechnology

Visiting Faculty – M. Sc. (Microbiology) 2009-2010

St. Xaviers College Kathmandu, affiliated to Tribhuvan University, Nepal

Subject Taught: Plant Genetic Engineering

Visiting Faculty (B.Sc. (Biotechnology) 2008-2010

Lord Buddha Education Foundation (LBEF) affiliated to Sikkim Manipal University, India

Subjects Taught: Agri-biotechnology, Plant tissue culture and Eukaryotic genetics

Visiting Faculty (M.Sc. II year - Botany, Plant Systematics group) 2001-2003

Central Department of Botany, Tribhuvan University, Nepal

Subjects Taught: Contemporary Methods in Plant Systematics and Cladistics

PUBLICATIONS (Peer reviewed articles)

1.Khatri, B. P., Bhattarai, T., Shrestha, S. and Maharjan, J. (2015). Alkaline thermostable pectinase enzyme from Aspergillus niger strain MCAS2 isolated from Manaslu Conservation Area, Gorkha, Nepal. SpringerPlus 4:488 DOI 10.1186/s40064-015-1286-y

2.Parajuli, P., Rana, N., Shrestha, S., Maharjan, J., Rana, P. and Sijapati, J. (2015). Isolation and characterization of Bacillus thuringiensis strains containing cryI genes from soil samples of Nepal. Asian J. of Microbiol. Biotech. Env. Sc. Vol. 17, No. (3) : 99-104

3.Munankarmi, N., Shrestha, R. L., Rana, N., Shrestha, J. K. C., Shrestha, S., Koirala, R. and Shrestha, S. (2014). Genetic Diversity Assessment of Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) Landraces of Eastern Nepal using RAPD Markers. International Journal of Applied Science and Biotechnology 2(3): 315-327

4.G. Rossi, S. Orsenigo, D. Dhital, S. Shrestha, B. B. Shrestha, S. R. Maharjan, D. R. Bhuju, S. Panthi, Y. R. Pokharel, G. P. Verza & A. Mondoni (2014). Ex situ plant conservation initiative in developing country: Nepal as a case study. Plant Biosystems, Official Journal of the Societa Botanica Italiana, DOI:10.1080/11263504.2014.900129

5.Koirala, R., Giovanni, R., Tavernitti, V., Ferrario, C., Malla, R., Shrestha, S. and Fortina, M. G. Guglielmetti, S. (2014). Isolation and molecular characterization of Lactobacilli from traditional fermented Dahi produced at different altitudes in Nepal. Dairy Science & Technology 94:397–408 DOI 10.1007/s13594-014-0167-4

6.Chhipi Shrestha, J.K., Bhattarai, T., Sijapati, J., Rana, N., Maharjan, J., Rawal, D.S., Raskoti, B.B. and Shrestha, S. (2013). Assessment of Genetic diversity in Nepalese populations of Swertia chirayita (Roxb. Ex Fleming) H. Karst using RAPD-PCR technique. American Journal of Plant Sciences 4(8):1617-1628 http://www.sciRP.org/journal/ajps

7.Shrestha, S., Graham, G. C., Loch, D. S. and Adkins, S. W. (2012). Molecular marker tools for the identification of weedy Sporobolus species in Australia. Pak. J. Weed Sci. Res., 18: 609-617, Special Issue, October, 2012

8.Shrestha, R. L., Dhakal, D. D., Gautam, D. M., Poudyal, K. P. and Shrestha, S. (2012). Variation of Physiochemical Components of Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) Fruits at Different Sides of the Tree in Nepal. American Journal of Plant Sciences 3: 1688-1692 doi:10.4236/ajps.2012.312206 http://www.sciRP.org/journal/ajps

9.Shrestha, R. L., Dhakal, D. D., Gautam, D. M., Poudyal, K. P. and Shrestha, S. (2012). Study of fruit diversity and selection of elite Acidlime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle) genotypes in Nepal. American Journal of Plant Sciences 3:1098-1104 http://www.sciRP.org/journal/ajps

10.Shrestha, R. L., Dhakal, D. D., Gautam, D. M., Poudyal, K. P. and Shrestha, S. (2012). Genetic diversity assessment of Acidlime (C. aurantifolia Swingle) landraces in Nepal using SSR markers. American Journal of Plant Sciences 3: 1674-1681 doi:10.4236/ajps.2012 http://www.sciRP.org/journal/ajps

11.Rawal, D. S., Rana, N., Sijapati, J. and Shrestha, S. (2012). Assessment of pesticide residues in some vegetables grown in Kavrepalanchowk and Bhaktapur districts. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 13(2): 45-50.

12.Shrestha, R. L., Dhakal, D. D., Gautam, D. M., Paudyal, K. P. and Shrestha, S. (2012). Genetic Diversity Assessment of Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifolia) Landraces at Different Agro-ecological Zone in Nepal, Using SSR Markers. Nepal Agriculture Research Journal, 11:85-94

13.Shrestha, R. L., Dhakal, D. D., Gautam, D. M., Paudyal, K. P. and Shrestha, S. (2012).Tree aspect based variation in physicochemical components of Acidlime fruits in Nepal. Nepalese Horticulture. An official journal of Nepal Horticulture Society, Vol. 8: 54-57

14.Shrestha, S., Graham, G. C., Loch, D. S. and Adkins, S. W. (2010). Molecular Identification of weedy Sporobolus species by PCR-RFLP. Weed Research 50:383-387.

15.Shrestha, S., Sijapati, J., Rana, N., Malla, D., Regmi, P. and Raskoti, B. (2010). Optimization of RAPD-PCR reaction conditions for the study of genetic diversity in Nepal’s S. chirayita (Roxb. Ex. Fleming) H. Karst. Himalayan Journal of Sciences 6(8): 35-40. doi 10. 3126/hjs.v6i8.2699.

16.Shrestha, S., Adkins, S. W., Graham, G. C. and Loch, D. S. (2005). An identification tool for the Australian weedy Sporobolus species based on random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD profiles. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research 56(2): 157-167. A CSIRO Publication. www.publish.csiro.au

17.Shrestha, S., Adkins, S. W., Graham, G. C. and Loch D. S. (2003). Phylogeny of the Sporobolus indicus complex, based on internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences. Australian Systematic Botany 16: 165-176. A CSIRO Publication. www.publish.csiro.au

18.Shrestha, S., Regmi, C., Rana, N., Rana, P., Giri, A. and Sijapati, J. (2003). PCR-based diagnosis of citrus Huanglongbing disease in Nepal. Nepal Journal of Science and Technology 5: 107-113.

COMPUTATIONAL SKILLS

SPSS, NTSys pc, PAUP, Popgen, MEGA, Sequencher, JModelTest, Phylip, CLUSTAL W and other relevant bioinformatics tools for genetic diversity, population genetics and phylogenetic analysis

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